The Itch

Driving into work today, I was struck by how bright it was. The days are getting longer, of course, but this was the first time I felt a noticeable shift, as if it might be spring outside my car and not yet another February day in the 30s. A teeny glimpse of light at the end of a long, gray tunnel.

I had a similar feeling a week and a half ago, when I was in Philadelphia for the Buyers Market of American Craft. The snow there was still piled high after the double whammy of East Coast blizzards, so there was no spring in my sights, but still … a glimpse of light. Metaphorical light, in the form of a burning, almost irresistible desire to open up my purse and throw money at the vendors selling their art at the show.

I was there to give a presentation called “Spectacular Displays on a Shoestring Budget,” a trend discussion and pep talk for the artists and attendees (museum stores, galleries, etc.) who have small spaces, small staffs and small budgets. The day before my session, I wandered the floor of the convention center to check out the merchandise and get a feel for the attendees. The wonderful event coordinator, Jean Thompson, had told me beforehand that everything on the floor was for wholesale only, but if I were interested in something I might ask if the artist could be found in any galleries in my hometown.

So I hit the floor, and good lord. The jewelry exhibits alone almost did me in. Gorgeous hand-crafted necklaces and earrings in every material imaginable. I asked a couple of vendors if I could find their work in Cincinnati (sadly, no), and then I stopped asking because I got shy and because I knew they had better things to do than talk to a speaker with no wholesale purchasing power. Finally, I had to stop looking. Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.

So I left the show empty-handed, but with my spirits fully lifted. It was so inspiring to see all these artists, all this beautiful merchandise, and to take simple joy in their existence. I would have bought something if I could, and I wouldn’t have felt guilty about it—and that, THAT was a nice little revelation, too. The sky is getting brighter. I can feel it.